Cost of Living: Missoula vs Des Moines (2026)
Des Moines has a 11% lower overall cost of living than Missoula as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,200/mo in Des Moines vs $1,300/mo in Missoula — a 8% difference. Des Moines has a lower state income tax rate (5.7% vs 6.8%), which adds up over time.
- Des Moines is 11% cheaper overall (COL index: 97 vs 87)
- 1BR rent: $1,200/mo in Des Moines vs $1,300/mo — 8% savings
- Higher median household income: Des Moines ($62,000/yr vs $54,000/yr)
- Median home price: $255,000 in Des Moines vs $430,000 — 41% difference
| Category | Missoula Montana | Des Moines Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,050 | $950Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,300 | $1,200Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,750 | $1,600Best |
| Median home price | $430K | $255KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 99 | 96Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13 | $12Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $54 | $50Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $45Best | $50 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.50 | $3.00Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $135Best | $142 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $145Best | $155 |
| Internet/mo | $68 | $60Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $54K | $62KBest |
| State income tax% | 6.8% | 5.7%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 0.0%Best | 6.9% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $14.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $38 | $35Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00 | $5.50Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97 | 87Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 42Best | 36 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Missoula cheaper than Des Moines?
No. Des Moines is 11% cheaper than Missoula based on overall cost of living indices (87 vs 97, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Missoula vs Des Moines?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Missoula is $1,300/month and in Des Moines is $1,200/month. Missoula is more expensive by 8%.
How much do I need to earn in Des Moines to match a $75,000 salary in Missoula?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $67,268/year in Des Moines to match a $75,000 salary in Missoula. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Missoula or Des Moines?
Des Moines has the lower state income tax rate at 5.7% vs 6.8%. The difference is 1.1 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Missoula to Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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